HighlightHer is a new outdoor exhibition by London-based artist Hanna Benihoud, has taken over Granary Square with a joyful and thought-provoking display of illustrations that celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary lives of women.
On view until Sunday 30 March 2025, HighlightHer invites visitors to slow down and reflect on the often-unseen contributions women make in our communities. Spread across 16 art benches in Granary Square, Hanna’s vibrant, colourful illustrations explore themes of motherhood, menopause, friendship, caregiving, and the complexities of everyday life. These are stories that don’t often find their way into public spaces – until now.
The idea behind HighlightHer is deceptively simple but deeply resonant. Hanna Benihoud gathered stories from women of all ages and backgrounds – some through personal conversations, others via social media – unearthing everyday experiences that are both ordinary and quietly heroic. As Hanna puts it, “There is something about the ‘ordinariness’ of womanhood that is actually quite magical.”
One such story belongs to Cherry Fitzsimmons, whose illustrated piece is poignantly titled She had to go the hard way to get to soft play. In Cherry’s words:
“The summer I had my newborn twins and a two-year-old, I would feel like a hero just for making it through the day. There was a time when the lift was down at Tottenham Hale, so I had to negotiate the escalator by holding up my double buggy, whilst hoping my toddler would stand still! I’ve run marathons, I’ve cycled around the world, but nothing challenged me more than being a mum to three under three.”
It’s this raw, relatable truth that HighlightHer brings into focus – the resilience and joy that emerge from the quiet chaos of everyday life.
The exhibition’s strength lies in its collaborative spirit. Hanna invited her community to nominate women in their lives who quietly embody resilience, care, and creativity. The result is a collection of stories that reveal the shared experience of womanhood, whether it’s navigating the physical and emotional landscapes of motherhood, supporting friends through life’s upheavals, or finding strength in sisterhood.
As Hanna reflects, “During the summer of 2023, America Ferrera’s monologue in the Barbie movie asked, ‘What about ordinary Barbie?’ – a question that struck a collective nerve. Then came the summer of 2024’s ‘Brat Summer,’ which embraced the beauty of the everyday. HighlightHer continues that conversation by celebrating the women who are quietly remarkable, every single day.”
This latest installation is part of King’s Cross’ growing reputation as a hub for public art. Chrissy Cullen, Place Marketing Director at King’s Cross, says, “HighlightHer is our way of honouring the women in our community who inspire us with their extraordinary stories. We hope this installation encourages everyone to reflect on the impact of these remarkable women and to continue supporting and uplifting one another.”
Visitors to Granary Square may already be familiar with other striking works, such as Liz West’s Fluorescence, a bold 10.7-metre installation of neon stripes celebrating light during the winter months. Together, these installations demonstrate how King’s Cross has become a place where art and everyday life intersect, offering space for reflection, joy, and community connection.
Hanna Benihoud is no stranger to the public realm. Since founding her studio in 2016, after transitioning from a career in architecture, she has created site-specific works that blend art, architecture, and design with a strong social conscience. Her work, ranging from public art installations like Guardians of the Pump to hand-animated series such as Girls of the Light, focuses on storytelling and community engagement.
Whether you’re passing through Granary Square or making a special trip, HighlightHer is a poignant, joyful celebration of women’s everyday experiences and achievements. Take a moment this March to experience these stories, and perhaps, reflect on the extraordinary women in your own life.
HighlightHer runs until Sunday 30 March 2025 at Granary Square, King’s Cross.